A
Welsh Victoria Cross Winner

Company
Sergeant Major John Henry Williams VC

The
most decorated Welsh non-commissioned officer of all time, Company
Sergeant Major John (Jack) Henry Williams was born in Nantyglo
Monmouthshire in 1886 and, givng up his employment as a colliery
blacksmith, enlisted in the 10th South Wales Borderers in November
1914. During his first world war service, this remarkable soldier
was decorated for bravery on several occasions culminating in
his receipt of the Victoria Cross, the UK's highest award for
gallantry.

Distinguished
Conduct Medal
Mametz Wood 10th/12th July 1916For continued and sustained coolness and gallantry during the
battle.

Military
Medal
Pilkem Ridge 31st July 1917For bravery at the beginning of the battle for Passchendaele
heights.

Victoria
Cross

'For most
conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty on the night
of 7th - 8th October 1918, during the attack on Villers Outreaux,
when, observing that his company was suffering heavy casualties
from an enemy machine gun, he ordered a Lewis Gun to engage it,
and went forward, under heavy fire, to the flank of the enemy
post which he rushed single handed, capturing fifteen of the enemy.
These prisoners, realising that Williams was alone, turned on
him and one of them gripped his rifle. He succeeded in breaking
away and bayonetting five enemy, whereupon the remainder again
surrendered. By this gallant action and total disregard of personal
danger, he was the means of enabling not only his own company
but also those on the flanks to advance.'

He was
promoted to Sergeant in January 1915.

The above
Citation for the VC was published in the London Gazette on 14th
December 1918:

CSM Williams
was medically discharged from the army on 17th October 1918 after
being severely wounded by shrapnel in the right arm and leg.

Bar
to Military Medal
Armentieres 30th October 1917For bravery during a raid near Armentières, where he brought
back a wounded comrade.1914-15 StarBritish War MedalVictory MedalMedaille Militaire (France)Coronation Medal

Wounded
in Action

The Photograph left
was taken in 1919, soon after the investiture in which C.S.M Williams
received the VC, DCM, MM and Bar from King George V.

This was the first
time that the King had decorated the same man four times in one day.

At the time of the investiture CSM Williams had not recovered from his
severe wounds and during the presentation, the wound in his arm opened
up with the result that medical attention had to be given before he
could leave the palace.